Elderly woman left without heating or hot water for several days

Michelle Gardner, whose mother lives in St Bernard’s Close, told the Leader that the Platform Housing Group had only provided “one tiny fan heater” to keep her mother warm while the heating was off, and belatedly gave more assistance in the form of oil-filled radiators after pressure from herself and local councillors, just one day before the boiler was finally repaired.

Unfortunately, the incident took place during the cold weather in February.

Speaking last week, Michelle said: “Given the temperature last week, she got cold quickly and, after chasing, Platform they agreed to drop off one tiny fan heater, which is not fit for purpose. In the middle of winter, a vulnerable elderly person should not have to suffer like that.”

Following an enquiry from the Leader, Phil Trickett, contracts manager at Platform Property Care said: “We take the health and welfare of our customers extremely seriously. In this case, all repairs were carried out within the allocated timescales and for the four days the customer had no heating we provided support by issuing temporary electrical fan heaters.”

Michelle approached councillors Lynne Cooney and Ros Jackson for support.

Coun Cooney said: “Repairs need to be carried out without delay. During the winter, [a lengthy delay] is unacceptable. The wellbeing of our residents is of the utmost importance and we continue to work closely with Platform to ensure residents concerns are heard and they are comfortable and safe.”

Platform Housing Group did not respond to a further request for comment.